Inflatable device for receiving an infant

ABSTRACT

An inflatable device for infants, the device comprising a structure formed from two or more inflatable chambers in fluid communication with a control valve, wherein the control valve comprises a single input port for receiving an inflation device and an output port unit in fluid communication with the inflatable chambers to enable the chambers to be inflated simultaneously by the inflation device while providing fluid separation between the chambers after inflation.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an inflatable device for receiving aninfant. In particular, the present invention relates to an inflatabledevice, such as a cot, crib or playpen suitable for infants.

BACKGROUND

It is known to have inflatable devices for receiving infants includingcribs, carrycots, cots, playpens and the like. It will be understoodthat the concepts described herein may be applied to any other suitableinflatable device that may be used to hold, carry, sleep or otherwisereceive an infant child. The term infant is understood to mean a childfrom newborn to the age of up to two years old.

In general, many of these inflatable devices have several problems suchas complete failure upon receiving a puncture, instability during use,too many complex components resulting in increased cost, multiple inputvalves making it a time-consuming job to inflate the device andgenerally poor design.

Certain types of inflatable devices for infants generally have multipleindividual chambers. These chambers are inflatable through separateindividual input valves connected to each chamber. This arrangementrequires a user to connect, disconnect and reconnect an inflationdevice, such as a pump for example, to each valve to fully inflate allthe chambers. Further, this type of device requires multiple valveassemblies for each of the separate inflatable chambers.

Other types of inflatable device for infants generally have multipleinterlinked chambers. The chambers are generally inflatable through asingle input valve connected to any one of the chambers. The remainingchambers are then inflated via the single input valve through channelsinterconnecting the chambers. This arrangement provides no fail safemechanism in situations when a puncture occurs in any of the chambersand so, upon receiving a puncture, the entire device becomes deflated.This deflation can result in an extremely dangerous situation when aninfant is placed in the device by causing a potential health risk orinjury to the infant.

An object of the present invention is to provide an inflatable devicefor receiving an infant that is easy to inflate and/or deflate.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an inflatabledevice for receiving an infant that is made of a material that isdurable and rigid when inflated.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an inflatabledevice for receiving an infant having a rigid and self supportingstructure.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an inflatabledevice for receiving an infant that will not deflate upon a singlechamber deflating.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an inflatabledevice for receiving an infant that is compact when deflated.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an inflatabledevice for receiving an infant that seals the inflatable chambers fromeach other after inflation.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an inflatabledevice for receiving an infant that deflates all chambers together.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an inflatabledevice for receiving an infant that overcomes, or at least alleviates,the afore-mentioned disadvantages.

Each object is to be read disjunctively with the object of at leastproviding the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is acknowledged that the terms “comprise”, “comprises” and“comprising” may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with eitheran exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of thisspecification, and unless otherwise noted, these terms are intended tohave an inclusive meaning—i.e. they will be taken to mean an inclusionof the listed components which the use directly references, and possiblyalso of other non-specified components or elements.

According to one aspect, the present invention provides an inflatabledevice for infants, the device comprising a structure formed from two ormore inflatable chambers in fluid communication with a control valve,wherein the control valve comprises a single input port for receiving aninflation device and an output port unit in fluid communication with theinflatable chambers to enable the chambers to be inflated simultaneouslyby the inflation device while providing fluid separation between thechambers after inflation.

Preferably, the inflatable device may include any of the features asdefined in the appended dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows the device in a rolled up state according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows the device in an unrolled state according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a structure of the device after inflation according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a cover for use with the device according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a plan view of an inflated device with a cover according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram describing the operation of a controlvalve according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows a conceptual diagram of air flow into inflatable chambersof a device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows a conceptual diagram of air flow out of inflatable chambersof a device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 9A and 9B show a valve assembly in different modes according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 shows a conceptual diagram of an inflatable device according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 shows a conceptual diagram of an inflatable device according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 shows a conceptual diagram of an inflatable device according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 shows a cross sectional view of an inflating device for use withan inflatable device according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 14 shows a valve cluster assembly for use with an inflatable deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 shows a partial exploded view of a valve cluster assembly foruse with an inflatable device according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 16 shows a partial assembled view of a valve cluster assembly foruse with an inflatable device according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 17 shows a detailed view of a valve cluster assembly for use withan inflatable device according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 18 shows a nozzle assembly in attachment with a valve clusterassembly for use in a second mode according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 19 shows a partial exploded view of a nozzle assembly and valvecluster assembly for use with an inflatable device according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 shows a nozzle assembly in attachment with a valve clusterassembly for use in a first mode according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 21 shows a partial exploded view of a nozzle assembly and valvecluster assembly for use with an inflatable device according to anembodiment of the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION First Embodiment

A first embodiment of the present invention is now described. In thisfirst embodiment, the inflatable device for receiving an infant is aninflatable cot.

The cot device has multiple chambers and a single input channel arrangedto shut off the multiple chambers after inflation. In particular, thecot has a main structure that is formed from four inflatable chambers.Each of the four inflatable chambers is connected by way of air passagesto a single main control valve. That is, the chambers are in fluidcommunication with the control valve to enable each of the inflatablechambers to be inflated by the valve. It will be understood that thecontrol valve may be located in any suitable position and on, or influid communication with, any of the chambers to enable the user toinflate and deflate the device.

The control valve has a single input port which is configured to receiveany suitable type of inflation device. For example, in this embodiment,the input port is configured to receive a bicycle pump for inflating thechambers in the cot. It will be understood that alternative arrangementsmay be made to enable other types of inflation devices to be used.

The control valve has multiple outlet or output ports for channelingfluid (such as air) into the chambers of the cot. The air enters theindividual chambers via integral fluid channels connected, and thusproviding fluid communication, between each of the outlet ports and theinflatable chambers.

According to this embodiment, the control valve is arranged to enablethe chambers to be inflated simultaneously by the bicycle pump whileensuring that the chambers are disconnected, separated or blocked offfrom each other after the cot is inflated. That is, the control valve isarranged to ensure that there is fluid separation between the chambersafter inflation of the cot. The mechanism for providing this fluidseparation is described in more detail below.

FIG. 1 shows the structure 101 of the cot in a rolled up state. In thisstate, the cot is suitable for easy transportation. For example, a usermay wish to take the inflatable cot with them when travelling overseas.The cot according to this embodiment is particularly designed to ensureit is both light and compact to enable it to be packed away in luggage.

The main structure in this embodiment is formed from a light and durablematerial known as a drop stitch material. The drop stitch material iseffectively a plastic based layered material with two layers having afine hair like stitching structure positioned in between the layers. Forexample, the plastic material may be a polyurethane material. The hairlike structure between the layers causes restriction between the layersas the device is being inflated and so makes the layers of theinflatable structure rigid. It enables the structure to be inflated to ahigh pressure and causes the structure to become rigid due to each layerbeing limited to its movement by the stitching structure.

FIG. 2 shows the structure 101 of the cot in an unrolled state. It canbe seen in this view that the structure 101 includes a top section 103and a base section 105.

FIG. 3 shows the main skeletal structure of the cot once it has beeninflated. The structure includes the top section 103, the bottom section105 and four upright sections 107A, 107B, 107C & 107D connecting andseparating the base section from the top section.

The main control valve 109 is located within one of the upright sections107A. The inflated structure shown in FIG. 3 is a sturdy and rigidstructure.

The cot may include a cover 111, for example as shown in FIG. 4. Thecover may be of any suitable material, such as a fabric for example. Thecover is configured or arranged to fit over the structure after thestructure is inflated. The fabric cover provides wall structure aroundthe inflated structure to ensure the infant remains within the cot. Thefabric cover is formed from a washable fabric to enable a user to easilyremove the cover after use and wash it prior to subsequent use.

It will be understood that the fabric cover may increase the structure'srigidity and therefore the structural integrity of the device. Further,the cover may act either as a cosmetic or structural element, or both.Also, it will be understood that the cover may be fitted beforeinflation and that this may be required in order to provide structuralintegrity of the device.

FIG. 5 shows a plan view of the inflated cot after the cover has beenfitted. Approximate dimensions of the cot are also provided. Theinternal width is approximately 580 mm. The internal length isapproximately 1245 mm. The external width is approximately 800 mm. Theexternal length is approximately 1465 mm. The distance between eachinner and outer layer of the chambers (i.e. the thickness of the sidesof the inflated chamber) is thus approximately 110 mm.

The inflated structure includes four inflatable chambers that arearranged to form four walls of the skeleton structure. The fourinflatable chambers in this embodiment do not correspond with the foursides of the inflatable structure. However, it will be understood thatthe arrangement of the inflatable structures may vary and as such couldcorrespond with each of the four sides of the structure.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram describing the operation of the controlvalve 109. An inlet channel 601 for receiving the expelled air from theinflation device (bicycle pump) is provided. The control valve 109includes multiple output ports 603A, 603B, 603C & 603D. Each of theseoutput ports is connected (effectively in parallel) to a separateinflation chamber 607A, 607B, 607C & 607D via a fluid channel 605A,605B, 605C & 605D.

The output ports (603A, 603B, 603C & 603D) are arranged to allow air toenter each of the chambers (607A, 607B, 607C & 607D) simultaneously whenair is provided to the cot via the inflation device. However, uponremoving the inflation device the output ports (603A, 603B, 603C & 603D)are arranged to shut off each of the chambers. This makes the chambersindependent of each other after inflation ensuring that if a punctureoccurs in any one of the chambers or one of the chambers deflates thenall other chambers are not affected thus ensuring no harm comes to theinfant. The valve 109 effectively operates as a fail safe valve as willbe explained in more detail below.

Conceptual diagrams are shown in FIGS. 7 & 8 indicating the direction ofair flow for each of the four chambers when inflating and deflating thecot. It will be understood that the configuration of the chambers maydiffer to that shown in these conceptual drawings. For example, thechambers may be separated along any suitable plane such as a verticalplane or horizontal plane. Further, it will be understood that thenumber of chambers may be varied.

As can be seen in FIG. 7, during inflation the air input via theinflation device enters the cot through the main input valve 109 intoeach of the four independent inflatable chambers (607A, 607B, 607C &6070) at the same time. This provides a quick and easy way in which toinflate the cot for use.

As can be seen in FIG. 8, during deflation the air from the fourindependent (i.e. fluidly independent) inflatable chambers (607A, 607B,607C & 607D) flows out simultaneously through the main input valve 109and then out through the inflation device. That is, the insertion of theinflation device opens the output ports (603A, 603B, 603C & 603D) of thecontrol valve to allow the air to be expelled from all the chambers atthe same time. This provides a quick and easy way in which to deflateand repack the cot after use.

Alternatively, the inflation device may be used in reverse as adeflation device where applicable. For example, if the inflation devicewere a reversible electric pump in order to suck the air out of theinflatable device. This would mean that the deflation procedure is notreliant on internal pressure and gravity to exhaust the air ondeflation.

Therefore, the output ports of the control valve are arranged to be influid communication with the inflatable chambers and input port when theinflation device is received within the input port. That is, an air flowpath is provided from the input port, through the output ports to theinflatable chambers. The inflatable chambers may then be easily inflatedor deflated by the user.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show diagrams of a control valve mechanism suitable forperforming the operations of the control valve as described above. Itwill be understood that other valve types and valve configurations maybe used to perform the same functionality.

The valve components may be made from any suitable materials using anysuitable manufacturing methods. For example, the casing and housing ofthe valve components may be made form a suitable plastics material whichmay be machined and/or injection moulded to produce the desiredconfiguration. The spindles and pins of the device may be made fromstainless steel components that are machined.

Several individual valves are integrated into a common housing toprovide control over the air flow into the chambers. This effectivelyprovides a manifold effect without the requirement of a manifold.

FIG. 9A shows a control valve assembly in a first mode where aninflation device has not been inserted into the input port of the valveand as such the chambers of the cot are not being inflated.

The control valve assembly includes a core housing portion that includesa recess 903 for receiving an inflation device (not shown). Formed in abottom wall within the recess is a channel 905 that passes through thecore housing portion. The core housing portion includes an outer wallwith a threaded portion 907 formed thereon. The threaded portion isarranged to screw into a corresponding threaded portion 909 formed on anouter housing 911 such that the core housing and outer housing areattached. A spindle 913 is provided that includes a connecting portion915 connected to a head portion 917 and a tail portion 919. The headportion is located within the recess 903 while the connecting portionpasses through the channel 905. The tail portion is located on theopposite side of the channel 905 to the head portion. A spring device921 is provided around the connecting portion on the recess side of thecore housing. The spring device provides a spring force between the headportion of the spindle and the bottom wall of the core housing. Thisspring force ensures that the spindle is in a first position (or mode)when no inflation device is inserted into the recess of the valve. Thatis, the tail portion of the spindle is forced by the spring action torest on an outer base surface 922 of the core housing.

A number of recesses 923 are provided in a base surface of the outerhousing 911. The number of recesses matches the number of chambers beinginflated. In this embodiment, there are four recesses. It will beunderstood that that the FIGS. 9A and 9B only show two recesses as theother two recesses are located immediately behind the shown recesses andare thus not visible. Located within these recesses are valve elements925. The combination of the recesses and valve elements form the outletor output ports of the control valve.

According to this embodiment, each outlet port is in fluid communicationwith a single inflatable chamber. However, it will be understood that asingle outlet port may be arranged to inflate more than one chamber. Forexample, each outlet port may be arranged to inflate two or morechambers, where those chambers are interconnected (i.e. in fluidcommunication).

The valve elements may be, for example, Schrader valves which aregenerally used as valves on bicycle tires. However, it will beunderstood that other suitable types of valves may be used as analternative. The Schrader valves include a pin 927 that is arranged tosit in a first position when not activated and causes the valve to beshut (i.e. no fluid communication between the input and output of thevalve). Upon the pin being activated by applying pressure, the valve isopened. When the applied pressure is removed, the pin reverts back toits closed mode due to a spring force applied to the pin.

The tail portion of the spindle is arranged to sit above the pins of theSchrader valves without activating the Schrader valves when the controlvalve has not received an inflation device in the recess 903. Therefore,in this mode, the fluid channels to the separate chambers are shut offfrom the input of the control valve ensuring no air escapes from theinflatable valves. In other words the output port of the control valveis arranged to not provide fluid communication between the input portand inflatable chambers when the input port is not receiving theinflation device.

FIG. 9B shows the control valve assembly in a second mode where aninflation device has been inserted into the input port of the valve toenable inflation (and also deflation) of the cot.

A nozzle 929 of an inflation device is shown in FIG. 9B having beeninserted into the recess 903 of the control valve. The insertion of thepump nozzle forces the head portion of the spindle (and thus the wholespindle) in the direction of the length of the connecting portion of thespindle. The spindle thus moves against the force of the spring device921, forcing the tail portion to push against the pins of the Schradervalves and opening up the outlet ports of the control valve. All four ofthe outlet ports are opened simultaneously. This ensures that there isfluid communication between each of the inflatable chambers and theinlet port of the control valve via the outlet ports and through thechannel 905. The inflation device may thus be activated to inflate thechambers.

After inflation, the inflation device may be removed causing theSchrader valves to close and seal off the chambers.

Therefore, a single input multiple output control valve assembly isprovided to enable inflation and deflation of multiple independentchambers while allowing the chambers to be fluidly independent of eachother after inflation, i.e. after an inflation device has been removedfollowing inflation.

Second Embodiment

According to a second embodiment of the present invention, the controlvalve assembly may include a single input port and a single output port.The single output may be in fluid communication along fluid channels toa manifold structure. The manifold structure may include two or morearms providing further fluid channels to the individual independentchambers. In between the manifold fluid channels and the independentchambers are located shut off valves which may be used by the user todecide which chambers are inflated and deflated during the inflation anddeflation cycles. Also, the shut off valves may be closed to fluidlyseparate the chambers from each other after inflation to ensure that nosingle chamber deflating causes other chambers to deflate, i.e. fluidseparation between chambers is provided after inflation. It will beunderstood that the shut off valves may be manually opened and closed bya user or by using an electrical signal. Further, it will be understoodthat the shut off valves may be directly connected to the manifold, theinflation chambers or somewhere in between.

FIG. 10 shows a conceptual diagram of this further embodiment, wherein asingle input single output valve 1001 is provided. The output port is influid communication with a manifold 1003 and the manifold includesmultiple shut off valves 1005A, 1005B, 1005C & 1005D that are in fluidcommunication with the inflatable chambers 1007A, 1007B, 1007C & 1007D.

It will be understood that the same outlet port arrangement may be usedas in the first embodiment to ensure that the inlet port is in fluidcommunication with the outlet port when an inflation device is inserted,and that the outlet port of the control valve is closed when theinflation device is removed.

The use of independently controlled shut off valves allows a user tomake the chambers independent after inflation. It also allows a use tochoose the order and the amount of chambers that are inflated anddeflated. For example, this arrangement may aid the user in inflatingthe cot by allowing the user to select one individual chamber at a timefor inflation, thus allowing the user to inflate the chamber to arelatively high pressure when compared to inflating all chambers at thesame time. Also, this arrangement allows the user to select all chambersfor deflation simultaneously.

Third Embodiment

According to a third embodiment, an inline series arrangement ofchambers may be provided with a shut off valve positioned in betweeneach chamber. A single input single output valve may be used to provideinflation with the use of an inflation device.

FIG. 11 shows a conceptual diagram this further embodiment. The singleinput single output valve 1101 is in fluid communication with a firstchamber 1103. The first chamber is in fluid communication with a secondchamber 1105 via a shut off valve 1107. The second chamber is in fluidcommunication with a third chamber 1109 via a shut off valve 1111. Thethird chamber is in fluid communication with a fourth chamber 1113 via ashut off valve 1115. It will be understood that the shut off valves maybe manually opened and closed by a user or by using an electricalsignal. Each of the shut off valves provides fluid separation betweenthe chambers after inflation.

It will be understood that the same outlet port arrangement may be usedas in the first embodiment to ensure that the inlet port is in fluidcommunication with the outlet port when an inflation device is inserted,and that the outlet port of the control valve is closed when theinflation device is removed.

Fourth Embodiment

According to this fourth embodiment an alternative valve arrangement isdescribed.

FIG. 13 shows a cross sectional view of a pump 1301, an inlet/outletchamber or port 1303 and nozzle assemblies (1305, 1307) according tothis embodiment of the present invention. The nozzle assemblies, pumpand housing are suitable for use with an inflatable device as describedabove. The pump is a reversible pump that may either blow air outwardsor suck air inwards thus providing a bi-directional air flow. Further,the pump may also be switched to a non active mode to stop airflow inboth directions.

Each of the two nozzle assemblies provides a different function (inflate& deflate). The nozzle assemblies (1305, 1307) physically correspondwith a valve cluster assembly 1400, which includes a housing 1401 andvalves 1405. The assembly 1400 is attached to the inflatable device 1403as shown in FIG. 14. The valve cluster assembly 140 includes a number ofvalves 1405A & 1405B that are in fluid communication with individualchambers 1407A and 1407B. The valve cluster assembly 1400 is attached tothe inflatable device by any suitable means, such as by welding thehousing to the inflatable device. Although FIG. 14 only shows two valvesin this cross section, the assembly has six in total in this embodimentin a 2×3 arrangement. Each of these valves is connected to a separatechamber in the inflatable device. It will be understood however that, asan alternative, the number and arrangement of chambers and valves may bemodified depending on the device.

An inflate nozzle assembly 1305 is connected to and in fluidcommunication with the pump inlet/outlet chamber (port) 1303. Theinflate nozzle assembly 1305 includes a number of nozzle chambers 1309that have an aperture 1311 which provides a fluid communication path tothe inlet/outlet port 1303 of the pump assembly. Across each aperture1311 is a flapper valve 1312 that is made of a flexible non-permeablematerial, such as rubber, silicon, urethane or the like. The flappervalve 1312 is located on the internal side of the nozzle chamber 1309.The flapper valve 1312 allows pressurised air (generated by the pump ininflate mode) to pass from the inlet/outlet port through the aperture1311, into the nozzle chamber 1309 and into the connected valve clusterassembly in order to inflate the inflatable device.

A deflate nozzle assembly 1307 is also connected to and in fluidcommunication with the pump inlet/outlet chamber (port) 1303. Thedeflate nozzle assembly 1307 includes a number of nozzle chambers 1313that have an aperture 1315 which provides a fluid communication path tothe inlet/outlet port 1303 of the pump assembly. Across each aperture1315 is a flapper valve 1317 that is made of a flexible non-permeablematerial, such as rubber, or the like. The flapper valve 1317 of thedeflate nozzle assembly is located on the external side of the nozzlechamber 1313, i.e. on the external side of the apertures 1315 and withinthe inlet/outlet port 1303. The flapper valve 1317 allows pressurisedair to pass from nozzle chamber 1313 through the aperture 1315 to theinlet/outlet port when the pump is in deflate mode in order to deflatethe inflatable device. A spigot 1319 is positioned centrally around theaperture 1315 of each nozzle chamber and passes from the aperture intothe chamber. Each spigot 1319 in each chamber 1313 enables thepressurised air within each chamber of the inflatable device to bereleased from the inflatable device when the deflate nozzle assembly isused, as will be explained in more detail below.

The first inflate nozzle assembly 1305 is attached to the valve clusterassembly 1400 to enable the inflatable device to be inflated. The seconddeflate nozzle assembly 1307 is attached to the valve cluster assembly1400 to enable the inflatable device to be deflated. Operation of thesenozzles and valve cluster assembly will be explained in more detailbelow.

FIG. 15 shows a partial exploded view of the valve cluster housing 1401and valves 1405 that form the valve assembly 1400. FIG. 16 shows apartial assembled view of the same components.

FIG. 17 shows a more detailed view of the valve cluster assembly 1400including the valves 1405 and housing 1401. The valves include a flappervalve 1701 that, when unaided, allows air to pass through the valve inone direction only via an aperture 1703 into the valve housing 1705. Thevalve housing 1705 is in fluid communication with the inflatablechambers of the inflatable device. Once the chambers have been inflatedand no more air is being directed through the valve 1405, the airpressure in the inflatable chamber causes the flapper valve 1405 to sealagainst the aperture 1703 maintaining air pressure within the inflatabledevice. Air can only be transferred out of the inflatable chamberthrough the valve 1405 by moving the flapper valve 1701 away from theaperture, as explained in more detail below.

Inflation of the inflatable device is performed by attaching the inflatenozzle assembly 1305 to the valve cluster assembly 1400, as shown inmore detail in FIG. 18. When the inflate nozzle assembly is placedwithin the valve cluster assembly 1400, it can be seen that pressurisedair from the inlet/outlet port 1303 generated by the pump can flow (asshown by the arrows) through the apertures and flapper valves of thenozzle assembly and through the apertures and flapper valves of thevalve cluster assembly to enter and inflate the inflatable chambers1407A & 1407B.

After inflation, the inflate nozzle assembly 1305 is removed from thevalve cluster assembly 1400 and the flapper valves 1701 on the valvecluster assembly seal the apertures 1703 to stop the inflatable devicefrom deflating.

FIG. 19 shows a partial exploded view of the inflate nozzle assembly1305 and the valve cluster assembly 1400.

Deflation of the inflatable device is performed by attaching the deflatenozzle assembly 1307 to the valve cluster assembly 1400, as shown inmore detail in FIG. 20. When the deflate nozzle assembly is placedwithin the valve cluster assembly 1400, the spigots 1319 within thenozzle chambers 1313 push through the apertures 1703 in the valvecluster assembly to move the flapper valves 1701 away from the apertures1703 and so break the seal in the valve cluster assembly. A fluidcommunication path is therefore created from the inflated chambers 1407A& 1407B through the apertures 1703 & 1315, past the flapper valves 1317and into the inlet/outlet port 1303. With the pump switched on indeflate mode, the air is therefore quickly evacuated out of theinflatable chambers in the inflation device as shown by the arrows.

After deflation, the deflate nozzle assembly 1307 is removed from thevalve cluster assembly 1400, and the inflatable device may be storedaway.

FIG. 21 shows a partial exploded view of the deflate nozzle assembly1307 and the valve cluster assembly 1400.

Further Embodiments

It will be understood that the embodiments of the present inventiondescribed herein are by way of example only, and that various changesand modifications may be made without departing from the scope ofinvention.

It will be understood that the concepts described in the aboveembodiments may be combined in any suitable way to form differentembodiments. For example, FIG. 12 shows a conceptual arrangement using acombination of the features of the second and third embodimentsdescribed above. That is, a control valve 1201 has a single input andsingle output mechanism that is in fluid communication with a firstinflatable chamber 1203. The first inflatable chamber is in fluidcommunication with a first shut off valve 1205. The output of the firstshut off valve is in fluid communication with a manifold 1207 asdescribed in an embodiment above. The manifold is in fluid communicationwith three other chambers (1209, 1211, 1213) via three further shut offvalves (1215, 1217, 1219).

Further, it will be understood that the concept as described withreference to FIG. 6 may be combined with the manifold concept of FIG. 10and/or the inline concept of FIG. 11.

It will be understood that, as an alternative, the device described inthe above embodiments may be any other suitable inflatable device forreceiving an infant, such as an inflatable carrycot, crib, playpen orthe like. That is, it will be understood that the device may be modifiedby arranging or modifying the shape of the inflatable chambers and/orstructure, or arranging or modifying the arrangement or configuration ofthe chambers and/or structure to provide any suitable different use.

Further, it will be understood that the number of inflatable chambers inthe device may vary. For example, the number of inflatable chambers maybe two or more.

Further, it will be understood that the input port may be configured toreceive any other suitable type of inflation device. For example, theinput port may be configured to more easily enable a user to manuallyinflate the chambers in the cot by mouth by providing a self sealingtube which opens upon expressing air into the tube and closes off theinflatable chambers when air is no longer being expressed into the tube.Alternatively, the input port may be configured or adapted to receiveany one of a hand pump, motorised pump, electrical pump, mechanicalpump, air compressor or the like.

Further, it will be understood that the device may also be arranged toreceive a fluid other than air. For example, the device may be adaptedto receive a liquid, such as water for example, for inflating the devicechambers.

Further, it will be understood that the material used to form the mainstructure of the device may be any other suitable type of material. Forexample, the material may be any suitable type of plastics, polyurethaneor PVC type material. It may also be, for example, any suitable type ofsonically welded film or the like. Further, any suitable non-rigidmaterial manufactured as a film may be used. Also a thermoplastic orurethane material manufactured as a film may be used.

Further, it will be understood that the structure may be of any suitableconfiguration. For example, the structure may consist of four solidwalls and a base portion. Alternatively, it may consist of multiplesupport pillars (i.e. more or less than four as shown in the aboveembodiments).

Further, it will be understood that the device may be deflated byreversing the operation of the inflation device in order to suck the airout of the inflation chambers.

Further, it will be understood that the device may consist of fourinflatable chambers that form only the walls of the main structure andthat a further inflatable chamber forms an inflatable base of thestructure. Alternatively, the device may comprise a separate base forinsertion within the skeleton structure.

Further, it will be understood that the outer housing of the controlvalve along with the attached or inserted Schrader valves (or the like)may be fitted to any suitable type of valve, such as spring actuatedvalve. For example, the outer housing may be retro-fitted to anysuitable existing valve structure, such as an RIB valve generally usedin inflatable devices for example, to provide a control valve that canperform the functions herein described.

Further, it will be understood that the structure may include are-enforced base fabric forming a lower base portion of the device tominimise the risk of the device becoming punctured through the base.

Further, it will be understood that any suitable form of tubing, such asplastic, PVC or polyurethane tubing, may be used between the controlvalve and the inflatable chambers to provide fluid communication betweenthese elements.

1. An inflatable device for infants, the device comprising a structureformed from two or more inflatable chambers in fluid communication witha control valve, wherein the control valve comprises a single input portfor receiving an inflation device and an output port unit in fluidcommunication with the inflatable chambers to enable the chambers to beinflated simultaneously by the inflation device while providing fluidseparation between the chambers after inflation.
 2. The device of claim1, wherein the structure comprises four inflatable chambers arranged toform four walls of a skeleton structure suitable for receiving aninfant.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the device comprises aseparate base for insertion within the skeleton structure.
 4. The deviceof claim 2, wherein the structure further comprises a fifth inflatablechamber arranged to form an inflatable base.
 5. The device of claim 1,wherein the two or more inflatable chambers are fluidly independent. 6.The device of claim 1, wherein the control valve is a failsafe valve. 7.The device of claim 6, wherein the output port unit of the control valveis arranged not to be in fluid communication with the inflatablechambers when the single input port is not receiving the inflationdevice.
 8. The device of claim 6, wherein the output port unit of thecontrol valve is arranged to be in fluid communication with theinflatable chambers only when the single input port is receiving theinflation device.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the output port unitof the control valve comprises multiple output ports in fluidcommunication with the inflatable chambers.
 10. The device of claim 9,wherein the output port unit is formed on a housing that may beretro-fitted to a standard spring actuated valve.
 11. The device ofclaim 9, wherein each output port is in fluid communication with asingle inflatable chamber.
 12. The device of claim 9, wherein eachoutput port is in fluid communication with two or more inflatablechambers.
 13. The device of claim 9, wherein the control valve comprisesa spindle in communication with the input port and output port unit,where the spindle is arranged to set the control valve in an inflationmode upon receiving the inflation device and further arranged to set thecontrol valve in a non-inflation mode when the inflation device is notbeing received.
 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the control valvefurther comprises a housing and a spring, wherein the spring is arrangedbetween the spindle and the housing to set the control valve in thenon-inflation mode when the inflation device is not being received. 15.The device of claim 1, wherein the inflatable chambers are in parallelfluid communication with each other.
 16. The device of claim 1, whereinthe output port unit of the control valve comprises a single output portin fluid communication with a manifold and the manifold comprisesmultiple shut off valves in fluid communication with the inflatablechambers.
 17. The device of claim 16, wherein the multiple shut offvalves are arranged to be controlled manually to provide fluidseparation between the chambers after inflation.
 18. The device of claim16, wherein the control valve comprises a spindle in communication withthe input port and single output port, where the spindle is arranged toset the control valve in an inflation mode upon receiving the inflationdevice and further arranged to set the control valve in a non-inflationmode when the inflation device is not being received.
 19. The device ofclaim 18, wherein the control valve further comprises a housing and aspring, wherein the spring is arranged between the spindle and thehousing to set the control valve in the non-inflation mode when theinflation device is not being received.
 20. The device of claim 1,wherein the output port unit of the control valve is in fluidcommunication with a first inflatable chamber and the device furthercomprises one or more shut off valves positioned in between eachinflatable chamber.
 21. The device of claim 20, wherein the inflatablechambers are in series fluid communication with each other.
 22. Thedevice of claim 20, wherein the one or more shut off valves are arrangedto be controlled manually to provide fluid separation between thechambers after inflation.
 23. The device of claim 1, wherein theinflatable chambers are formed from a material from any one of a dropstitch material, sonically welded film, PVC material, thermoplasticmaterial manufactured as a film, urethane material manufactured as afilm, non-rigid material manufactured as a film.
 24. The device of claim23 wherein the drop stitch material comprises two layers of material,where a first layer is connected to a second layer via interconnectingthreads.
 25. The device of claim 1, wherein the single input port isadapted to provide fluid communication from the input port to the outputport unit upon receiving the inflation device.
 26. The device of claim1, wherein the structure includes a re-enforced base fabric on a lowerbase portion of the device.
 27. The device of claim 1, wherein thedevice is a cot, crib, carrycot or playpen.
 28. The device of claim 1,wherein the single input port is adapted to receive an inflation devicethat is one of a human being, bicycle pump, hand pump, motorised pump,electrical pump, mechanical pump and air compressor.
 29. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the structure is formed from 3 or more inflatablechambers.
 30. The device of claim 29, wherein the structure is formedfrom 4 or more inflatable chambers.
 31. The device of claim 1, whereinthe device further comprises a fabric cover arranged to fit over thestructure.
 32. The device of claim 31, wherein the fabric cover isarranged to reinforce and/or increase rigidity to the device.
 33. Thedevice of claim 31, wherein the fabric cover is formed from a washablefabric.